Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a rich, velvety dish that combines tender bites of chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and a luxurious white cheddar cheese sauce. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packs bold, cheesy flavor in every forkful. I love making this when I want an easy one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends classic comfort with a sharper, more grown-up flavor thanks to the white cheddar. The chicken adds heartiness, the pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, and the whole dish comes together quickly without any fancy steps. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just craving something extra cheesy, this pasta always hits the mark.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• All-purpose flour

• Milk (whole milk or half-and-half)

• Chicken broth

• Sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional: Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until cooked through and golden. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, I add more butter if needed, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. I whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

5. Slowly, I whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. I let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. I reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar until melted and creamy.

7. I season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of Dijon mustard for depth (optional).

8. I return the chicken and pasta to the pan, stirring until everything is well coated in the sauce.

9. I serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 10–15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to make it a complete one-pot meal.

• For a smoky flavor, I stir in cooked bacon bits or smoked paprika.

• I’ve used rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to speed things up.

• For an ultra-rich version, I replace half the milk with heavy cream.

• Gluten-free pasta and flour can be used for a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or broth and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It thickens as it sits, so I loosen it up before serving again. I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cheese sauce can separate.

FAQs

What kind of white cheddar should I use?

I use sharp or extra sharp white cheddar for maximum flavor. I always shred it myself since pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Can I make this without flour?

Yes, I’ve thickened the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) instead. I add it after the milk and broth, then simmer until thickened.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add red pepper flakes. The base recipe is mild, cheesy, and kid-friendly.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but I find it’s best fresh. If I make it ahead, I store the pasta and sauce separately when possible and reheat gently with a splash of liquid.

What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, shells, or rotini hold the sauce well. I avoid long noodles like spaghetti for this particular dish.

Conclusion

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a delicious, no-fuss dinner that brings cheesy comfort to the table in under an hour. I love the sharpness of the white cheddar, the tender bites of chicken, and how easily it all comes together. Whether I’m feeding a busy household or just indulging in a cheesy pasta night, this recipe always leaves me satisfied and reaching for seconds.